Art exhibits, races, golf, football and more on tap for NSU Homecoming

Natchitoches Times

Oct 17, 2013 | 362 views | 0 | 1 | |

Homecoming festivities at Northwestern State University are slated for Oct. 18-19 and will feature some new attractions for alumni and friends of all ages. This year’s theme is “NSU is Forever Young” and will offer events, reunions and a new downtown Rocking on the Riverbank Homecoming Festival.

Events will begin with an Alumni Art Show at Orville Hanchey Gallery that will be on display Thursday, Oct. 17 and Friday, Oct. 18. Gallery hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday and 8 a.m.-noon Friday.

The annual Homecoming Golf Tournament will take place at the Robert G. Wilson Recreation Complex on the Hwy. 1 Bypass on Friday, Oct 18. A lunch will be served at noon and the tournament will begin at 1 p.m. For more information or reservations, contact Vanner Erickson at eriksonv@nsula.edu or call (318) 357-5213.

The Homecoming parade will depart from campus at 5 p.m. Friday and proceed from NSU’s main gate onto Second Street, right on Rue Touline and onto the riverbank in downtown Natchitoches where a pep rally and the inaugural Rocking on the Riverbank Homecoming Festival will take place. The parade will feature floats decorated with the “Forever Young” theme carrying student groups and special guests to the pep rally. The pep rally will include performances by the NSU cheerleaders, Demon Dazzlers, pom pom line and the Spirit of Northwestern Demon Marching Band. There will also be an introduction of the Homecoming Court and an appearance by Head Football Coach Jay Thomas, senior football players and the university’s newly made-over mascot, Vic the Demon.

The Alumni Association has booked MoJeaux (mojeauxband.com) to perform following the pep rally until 10:30 p.m. and will provide a large tent to the left of the stage with tables and chairs where alumni are invited to gather and visit. Entertainment will include GyroExtreme, a mechanical bull and other attractions. The Homecoming Festival is co-sponsored by the Historic District Development Commission.

Individuals, vendors, students and others will also be allowed to reserve 10 x 10 foot spaces on the riverbank. The 10 x 10 spaces can be accommodated with up to two tables, up to four chairs and electricity, if needed. The cost is $25 per space and $50 if electricity is needed. Tents will not be provided.

Saturday’s events will include a slate of events, receptions and induction ceremonies for several academic departments.

The Homecoming 5K and 1 mile Fun Run will begin at 8 a.m. at Collins Pavilion, presented in partnership with Les Amies Service Organization. Adults and children are invited to participate. Prizes will be awarded to the overall and runner-up male and female winners of the 5K and the overall and runner-up boy and girl in the one-mile fun run. Registration is $20 for all pre-registered participants and $25 for race day registration. Registration is available online at northwesternalumni.com. All participants will receive an event t-shirt. Gold, silver and bronze sponsorships are available for $500, $250 and $100. All sponsors will receive a small gift and up to four free entries to the NSU Homecoming Tailgate party at Collins Pavilion. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes to demonstrate Demon spirit with prizes awarded for best costumes.

The “Cycling for Sharon” bicycle ride will begin at 9:30 a.m. with cyclists riding 22 miles following a course south on Keyser Avenue to Natchez, back to the NSU campus via Hwy. 1 and concluding at the Pi Kappa Phi clock in the Alumni Plaza. This event, sponsored by Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority and Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, raises funds for the Sharon Sampité, John and Allison Van Hoof Educational Scholarship administered through the NSU Foundation and the Sampité Family Baseball Scholarship administered through the NSU Athletic Association. Volunteers interested in assisting the crew following the cyclists are welcome.

N Club Hall of Fame induction ceremonies will begin at 10 a.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Also at 10 a.m., the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development will host a reception for inductees into the Hall of Distinguished Educators with a ceremony beginning at 10:30 a.m. The Demon Regiment Open House at the James A. Noe Military Science Building will begin at 10 a.m.

The School of Business will hold an induction ceremony and reception for alumni recognized in the School’s Hall of Distinction beginning at 11 a.m. in Russell Hall.

An open house for the new Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority House will also begin at 11 a.m. with a dedication ceremony at 12:30 p.m.

Tailgating at Collins Pavilion and on the NSU Commons will begin at 1 p.m. Demon fans are invited to spend the afternoon with friends and alumni with entertainment provided by Melodime. Food and beverages will be available for $5.

Pregame activities will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Turpin Stadium. The Northwestern State Demons will kick off against the Southeastern Louisiana University Lions at 6 p.m. Honorees and special guests will be recognized during the game and the Homecoming Court will be presented at halftime.

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